92Legendsedan

As some of you know, I am already considering selling my Legend, but still not sure. I know I need a tranny mount, as I have a harsh clunk when I shift into reverse. I am also sure I need new axles, as I have vibrations/shudders at speeds above 35 mph- in addition, my CV covers are busted, so I know I should have them replaced if I keep it. I also need new front brake pads and rotors. I also have the "valve seals" smoke, but I think the thicker oil is helping that. New windshield is also needed.

First the windshield- I got a quote of $198. to replace. I got a quote of $59. each for the axles and a quote of $35. each to replace. That, with tax is about $200. Out of all of the local parts stores I phoned today, NONE had a price listing for the transmission mount. I did not have time to call the local Acura dealer. I also went ahead and got quotes on the engine mounts (which it may not even need) and I thought I was hearing things when he said $384. for a engine mount! I think it may be OK though. I did not get a labor quote on the tranny mount, so....

So here is what I have figured so far:
windshield: $198.
Axles/labor: $188.
tranny mount/labor: $???
brakes/labor: $???

The axles and glass alone, with tax is going to be well over $400- not to mention the brakes and possible tranny mount- which could easily be another $100.-$200. Then, I still have the valve seals problem. Everyone says not to worry about the valve seals, because it is not a big deal, and the smoking is minimal now, but I do not like the thoughts of driving a car like this.

Should I spend $600 on repairs to this car- only to still have a 1992 car, with 197K and still have the valve seal problem- that may get worse? I am thinking "no". With that said- if I sold my car- what would be a good asking price for it? I already have $2400 invested in it, but I am willing to take a loss. KBB value is still showing $3700 and Edmunds is showing $2600- which seems more realistic. Even 90-93 Accord around here are priced way higher than that. It is not a "fancy" model- it is the base sedan, with A/C, cloth interior and all basic power options, as well as a aftermarket CD player. It has 196,900 miles, but the engine still runs very good and it idles very quietly, the body is still good, original paint still good, interior is very good, but the carpeting is soiled- which is how it was when I bought it. I have not had the time to clean it- and with the problems I discovered- really have not wanted to bother with it. Othr than the first 80K- the rest of the miles are interstate miles. The interior is still very tight and rattle free. Tires are good, but I think one is out of balance, as the steering wheel shakes at highway speeds, but that may be the axle and/or brake rotor causing that. So, does anyone think I would have any trouble selling this car for $2400-$2500 if I tried to sell it for that? I think that trade-in is still $2200. One of my other main objectives for selling is that fuel factor. What- with gas being over $2.25 for premium- I would like to find a more fuel efficient car. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

black-n-blue

I think you could get $2400 for your car.

My sedan has many of the same problems as yours - valve stem seals being one. That issue is only going to get worse over time.

If the car is paid for, you could just drive it til it quits, which can be quite a while for these Legends, even when they have problems.

Or, if you really like the car, I was just reading yesterday about someone's successful JDM or Type II motor swap. I believe it was a forum member in Nashville.